OPP out in full force for long weekend distracted driving blitz
Posted May 20, 2011 7:22 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, On. – To kick off the long weekend, Ontario Provincial Police have launched their distracted driving blitz campaign, aimed at keeping commuters safe on highways, waterways and trails.
The Victoria Day holiday is typically considered the unofficial start to summer and cottage season, which means roadways are busier than ever.
The OPP will use all of its available resources to keep a watch out for distracted drivers, drunk drivers, aggressive drivers, speeders and unsafe vehicles.
About 10 minutes into the launch, OPP took one car off the highway. Its plates were removed, and it was towed after it was deemed dangerous. Police said the car did not have working brake lights, turn signals, a working horn, and it didn’t have a backseat.
Officers said that is not an usual find on the roads, rather a common occurrence.
Sergeant Dave Woodford said officers are trying to encourage drivers to slow down, and pay attention. They want more people to arrive alive.
“Last year, we had four people killed on OPP patrolled highways and three different collisions then. So, the good thing is … we didn’t have any marine or ATV fatalities last year on this weekend, the Victoria Day weekend. Hopefully, you know, that’s going to be a sign that we can continue keeping the number of deaths down,” he said.
OPP hope to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries from last year to zero. As in previous years, they will be working with the Ministry of Transportation enforcement officers to assure vehicles are safe, loads are secure and towing attachments are proper making the roads safe.
Ontario roads are the safest in North America, with the lowest fatality rate.
